What Classifies as Daily Physical Activity (DPA)?
Moderate to Vigorous activity that:
- Is coordinated (i.e.: intramurals at lunch/recess, assemblies with five minutes of facilitated activity by teachers or students)
- “body or brain breaks” during class time
- Does not include Physical Education (must be over and above PE class time)
- Involves the majority of students
Why is Daily Physical Activity Important?
Student Benefits:
- Helps to develop positive lifestyle habits that lead to healthy and active lives
- Increases self-esteem
- Helps students to handle stress
- Builds and maintains healthy muscles and joints
- Helps achieve and maintain healthy body weight
- Creates a positive and enjoyable learning environment
Classroom & School Benefits:
- Assists with classroom management
- Increases punctuality and attendance
- Keeps students excited and motivated to learn
- Enhances concentration and academic achievement
- Enhances the future health and well-being of children and youth
Source: Saskatchewan in motion DPA manual 2012
Last Updated: April 30, 2015 at 8:54 am
